Woodmen of the World Chapters 143 and 553 joined with the Habersham County Wall of Honor Committee to host the "In Honor and Remembrance: Woodmen of the World Salutes America's Heroes" ceremony on the Wall of Honor site beside the Habersham Chamber of Commerce.
Maj. Christopher S. Powell, executive officer for the adjutant general of the Georgia Army National Guard, addressed those gathered.
"Today we reflect on the beliefs and freedoms that we hold dear," Powell said. "We recall the lessons learned by a nation that has shared its hardships among all of its people. This day serves to remind us that despite war and strife, recessions, depressions, protests and dissention, we the people are still standing resolute in our pursuit of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
Others participating in Wednesday's ceremony included Joy Purcell, the Rev. Terry Rice, Woodmen of the World North Georgia State Manager Pat Frappapina, Habersham Central Air Force Junior ROTC, Habersham Central Choral Group, Trinity Classical School, Grant Reeves VFW Post 7720, Habersham County American Legion Post 84, Rabun County DAV Chapter 15 and Lance Zimmerman.
The Wall of Honor project was launched in 2001, with Phase 1 completed just this week.
Larry Whitfield of the Habersham County Wall of Honor Committee talked about marking the milestone of the completion of Phase 1 of the memorial on 9/11.
"The significance of having this today is to recognize all who have given their lives to the freedom of this country," Whitfield said.
Members of the Patriot Guard pay tribute to victims of 9-11 at Wednesday's Cornelia ceremony. (Photo by Rob Moore)
Habersham County residents gathered a the newly-completed Wall of Honor for the 2013 9-11 remembrance. (Photo by Rob Moore)
Habersham Central Air Force Junior ROTC members attend the American flag at Wednesday's ceremony. (Photo by Rob Moore)
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